Manufacturers push CO2 systems at SMTS 2018

With natural refrigerants continuing to strengthen their foothold in the Japanese commercial refrigeration market, several CO2-based showcases and plug-in units were on display at this year’s Supermarket Tradeshow 2018, held in Tokyo on 14-16 February.

This year’s Supermarket Tradeshow in Tokyo (14-16 February) was marked by increased competition in the CO2 refrigeration market, with new player Mitsubishi Heavy Industries joining the fray and Panasonic pushing a full lineup of CO2 products.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ (MHI) HCCV1001 CO2 10 HP condensing unit was on display for the first time at SMTS, in partnership with leading Japanese showcase manufacturer Fukushima.

Electronic displays touted the global movement away from HFCs and towards the use of alternative refrigerants, especially natural refrigerants.

"I do not think that awareness of the revision to the Kigali Amendment and the global HFC phasedown is widespread at the moment, but we are using this opportunity at the tradeshow to help broaden this recognition," said Mitsuaki Akuzawa, general manager for Panasonic Commercial Equipment Systems.